R1 : Tesni, Rowan, Joshna

[13] Tesni Evans (WAL) 3-1 Karina Tyma (POL)  7-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-4 (32m)

Tesni

“She started really well, she came out no pressure and so relaxed and hitting winners from everywhere. A shaky start, but I think that was more down to her than me. I came on in the second and tried to find better length, hit it to the back more and get that length through and she made a few unforced errors, which was nice for me.

“All the girls on the tour, we have been playing for the last few years and a lot of times now, we know what to do and kind of know what is going to happen. Playing someone like Karina, I’ve never played before, so I didn’t know what to expect. It’s tough but there’s a lot of these young girls coming through, so you’ve got to get used to it and it’s a pleasure to see so many new faces and players coming through. I have no doubt that in the future, Karina and the rest of the girls coming through will be right up there.

“Last week was such a good week at the Europeans, we did well and that gave me a buzz and I played some good squash there, so I’m looking to bring that into this week. The preparation has been a lot of rest and make sure I’m recovered.

“I’ve struggled a little bit at the start of the season and since coming back from COVID, I’ve not played my best squash. This last few tournaments have got much better and each event I’ve got better, Manchester was great. I’m getting there and I’m really happy with how I’m playing at the moment.”

[8] Rowan Elaraby 3-0 Millie Tomlinson (ENG)  11-5, 11-5, 11-9 (28m)

I arrived in the middle of the second game, and it felt like there was not much love lust on court, but then again, what do I know! Rowan was accurate in the second game, not opening the court at all. But in the third, the Egyptian seemed to lose a bit of focus, the ref reminded her that no coach was allowed – not sure where that came from to be honest as I didn’t hear or see anything that looked like refereeing.. But again… what do I know!

Millie was in control in the 3rd, 4/1, 6/4, then all level 7/7, 8/8, 9/9, a long rally and a stroke, and it’s 11/9 for Tinkerbell in 10m – the longest game of the match.

Rowan

First match of the Words, I wanted to do well. I have been playing well in the last couple of weeks, I took a lot of confidence. And I want to compete.

I have been working on my physicality. What I like is short shots, short rallies, so now it’s all about keeping the rallies going, to be able to play either. It’s starting to pay off, so I’m quite happy.

[12] Joshna Chinappa (IND) 3-0 Katie Malliff (ENG)  11-6, 11-8, 11-9 (33m)